Read The Bond That Ties Us for Free Online

that lined the hall was small, offering only the slightest glimpse of the outside of the planet. She paused to look out, but she couldn’t see much of the surface now that the sun had set. Maybe in the light of day things would look better, brighter.
    Haylie continued her walk looking for anything of interest. She couldn’t help but notice the distinct lack of security as she moved about. No patrols, surveillance, or obvious security measures, at least not in the living area. Either it was extremely well hidden or she had her work cut out for her.
    Something wasn’t adding up here. She knew the reputation of the previous chief.
    He wasn’t incompetent, far from it. He’d been part of the team sent in to help with the aftermath of the Jupiter colony after the riots eight years ago. It didn’t seem likely he would have overlooked the very basics of security, even if he was only here a short time. What the hell was wrong with this place? She’d traveled a full fifteen minutes without seeing another soul before the hiss of a door opening behind her caught her attention.
    “Good evening.” Administrator Donaldson’s cheerful voice vibrated in the hall.
    Haylie turned and smiled when she saw Donaldson emerge from the doorway.
    “Hello, Administrator. I don’t believe we have been introduced yet. My name is—”
    “Haylie Bond. My newest security officer, granted the rank of chief. Previous to this, you were in charge of security for Luna’s largest shipping company, LunaCom.
    You have a degree in psychology and were recognized for single-handedly reducing the crime rate on Mars outpost Beta by forty-eight percent.”
    Interesting .
    23

    “You seem to have me at a disadvantage, sir.”
    He didn’t. But somehow it seemed wrong to recite his service record to him in response. At least she was able to think clearly enough this time to remember it. Plus, her warning flags were waving frantically. She respected thoroughness in a person, but there was already something about this encounter that seemed odd. It wasn’t what he knew about her so much as how he was saying it.
    “I take great pride in knowing everything that is happening on my colony. I made a point of learning about all of our new colonists. I expect you and I will be working quite closely together.”
    “I am looking forward to it,” Haylie said. The muscles in her back tightened.
    Donaldson gave his head a slight shake before taking a step closer. “What brings you out this evening? Getting acquainted with the area?”
    Haylie hesitated. It’s not like she had anything to hide. “Yes. Though it really doesn’t feel like evening yet.”
    “Not surprising. The days are shorter here on Eurus than what you are used to on Luna.” Donaldson stood completely still. But his eyes began to slip from hers, taking quick glances at the rest of her body.
    Haylie crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes. I thought it might be nice to get familiar with the area from the perspective of a civilian. It’ll give me better insight for when I begin in my position tomorrow.”
    Haylie shivered when Donaldson’s gaze dipped quickly to her chest, as if he were trying to catch a glimpse of what she was hiding behind her arms. Sara was right when she said he was attractive. His blond hair was longer than Kamran’s but suited the hard angles of his face. He was in great shape, from what she could tell, but she couldn’t help but compare him to Kamran. When he finally looked back into her eyes, Haylie looked at him a bit too long. She hoped he noticed that she’d caught him staring. He didn’t break eye contact, but a slight flush crept onto his face.
    “To be honest, I’ve only seen the landing bay, my room and a few halls. I hope I’ll be able to do a bit of exploring before I pass out from exhaustion.”
    Donaldson took another half-step closer. “I could give you a private tour if you’d like. I know all of the interesting spots on Eurus.”
    The smile that